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SELF-EXAMINATION
Here
is how to do the self exam:
- If
possible, stand in front of a mirror. Check for any
swelling on the scrotal skin.
- Examine
each testicle with both hands. Place the index and
middle
fingers under the testicle with the thumbs placed on top. Roll the
testicle gently between the thumbs and fingers -- you shouldn't feel
any pain when doing the exam. Don't be alarmed if one testicle seems
slightly larger than the other, that's normal.
- Find
the epididymis, the soft, tubelike structure behind
the
testicle that collects and carries sperm. If you are familiar with this
structure, you won't mistake it for a suspicious lump. Cancerous lumps
usually are found on the sides of the testicle but can also show up on
the front. Lumps on or attached to the epididymis are not cancerous.
- If
you find a lump on your testicle or any of the other
signs of
testicular cancer listed below, see a doctor, preferably a urologist,
right away. The abnormality may not be cancer, but if it is testicular
cancer, it will spread if it is not stopped by treatment. Even if it is
something else like an infection, you are still going to need to see a
doctor. Waiting and hoping will not fix anything. Please note that free
floating lumps in the scrotum that are not attached in any way to a
testicle are not testicular cancer. When in doubt, get it checked out -
if only for peace of mind!
Other
signs of testicular cancer to keep in mind are:
- Any
enlargement of a testicle
- A
significant loss of size in one of the testicles
- A
feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- A
dull ache in the lower abdomen or in the groin
- A
sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
- Pain
or discomfort in a testicle or in the scrotum
- Enlargement
or tenderness of the breasts
I hesitate to mention the following list, since anything out
of the
ordinary down there should prompt a visit to the doctor, but you should
be aware that the following symptoms are not normally signs of
testicular cancer:
- A
pimple, ingrown hair or rash on the scrotal skin
- A
free floating lump in the scrotum, seemingly not attached
to anything
- A
lump on the epidiymis or tubes coming from the testicle
that kind of feels like a third testicle
- Pain
or burning during urination
- Blood
in the urine or semen